Premier Williams welcomes Ontario and Quebec joint response to
Expressions of Interest on development of the Lower Churchill

The participation of neighbouring provinces in the Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of the Lower Churchill is welcomed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Earlier today, the Government of Ontario announced a joint proposal with Hydro-Quebec and SNC-Lavalin in response to the EOI which was issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in January 2005.

"We are pleased that Ontario and Quebec are participating in our Expressions of Interest process," said Premier Danny Williams. "The EOI process is intended to attract a range of proposals from all parties interested in participating in the development of the Lower Churchill resource, including private companies, consortia and other governments. Our goal is to identify and evaluate all potential viable options for the development of this clean, renewable, energy resource. We welcome the joint proposal from the Government of Ontario, Hydro-Quebec and SNC-Lavalin, and will evaluate this and all proposals as part of the next step of the EOI process."

The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is March 31, 2005, at which time government will evaluate proposals received through the EOI process. Further information on the Expressions of Interest can be accessed at the following Web site: www.gov.nl.ca/lowerchurchill/

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 03 30                   3:30 p.m.